We are a family in transition. My children are almost grown up and out of the house therefore changing our automobile needs at the same time. When I was driving 1000+ miles a week carting the kids to ballet, band and basketball (the 3 B's) I needed a vehicle that I could trust to get me to and from activities and get fabulous gas mileage at the same time. My 1998 Buick Regal did a wonderful job and I loved that car. But Mom always wanted an SUV and now she's got one that gets good mileage, has plenty of space to carry the groceries and the price didn't break the bank.

Along came the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 and it was just what the Doctor ordered. We looked at several other vehicles before this little beauty caught our eye. When you first see an XL-7 you are reminded of a Lexus because of the grill and front-end styling they are very attractive! We were charmed by the outside but we bought because of the over-all package of responsive handling and gas efficiency.

This mid-sized SUV is perfectly at home running around town or moving out onto the country roads so prevalent here in Central Kentucky. The on-demand 4-wheel drive is perfect for those times that the snow, mud or odd off-road adventure call for a little bit more traction and control. We have only needed it one time so far but the ride up an unpaved, hollow road complete with creek beds and large boulders was just as smooth as the highway leading up to it. I don't think I've ever seen the husband smile quite so much while driving!

We purchased the 5 passenger model as we have no real need to haul around multiple kids and accessories anymore and it has been just the right size. There is plenty of leg room even in the second row and the ability to tilt that seat back is makes it even more desirable. Three people in the bench seat does make for tight riding, so don't expect to haul the high school football team around town too often. The cargo space in the rear is roomy enough for lots of groceries and the retractable cover is handy for keeping the sun off your veggies.

The interior is simple but very well laid out and effective. If you are enraptured by a gajillion buttons and knobs then this vehicle is not for you! At first you think that someone forgot the bells or the whistles when they engineered the dash, but wait! Upon closer inspection and operation you find that every dial and button is well placed and is easy to use. I sometimes think that digital controls are vastly overrated! My favorite is the radio/CD controls on the steering wheel, they are extremely convenient and easy to understand. The dash lights are an attractive white and blue and make the analog gages easy to see and read.

The XL-7 handles with surprising nimbleness for a vehicle it's size. This vehicle is just fun to drive! It corners tight with no feeling of rolling and the turning radius is tighter than most cars that I have driven. The small 2.7 liter engine makes for a slower take off than with a larger sized engine but once you get up to speed it handles with surprising grace and responsiveness. Being used to a 3.8 liter in the Buick was a bit of a handicap at first but I have begun to love the Suzuki for what it is and not try to make it a car. Plus, the smaller engine makes for around 20 mpg instead of the maybe 15 that most other SUV models claim to get in all around driving.

If I had to change anything on the XL-7 it would be the horrible sun visors and the driver's seat. The visors are practically useless as they are too short to block the sun on the side window. Because of this problem I am in line to have the front door windows and part of the windshield tinted to alleviate the glare. The driver's seat should be a 6-way control instead of just a front/back and recline. I am fairly short at 5'5" but my legs are long, making for great difficulty in finding a comfortable position for the seat. I have had to resort to a cushion to substitute for the lack of multiple positions.

If you're looking for a fun, responsive mid-sized SUV with great gas mileage and classy good looks this is the vehicle for you! Our 'Zuki was one year old when we purchased it for under $16,000.00 with only 25K miles on it. These vehicles are a fabulous value and don't stay on the car lot for very long.